API is the only United States trade association, which represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. It has 400 corporate members from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents.
Some of them are producers, others refiners, suppliers, and pipeline operators and marine transporters. API speaks on behalf of the petroleum industry to the community, congress, and the state governments. It conducts research ranging from economic analyses to toxicological testing. Then, they collect, maintain and publish statistics and data on all aspects. API organizes seminars, workshops, conferences, and symposia on public policy issues, in order to educate people. If you are in the university, they provide training materials to help people in the oil and natural gas business, meet regulatory requirements and industry standards. They work with the National Science Teachers Association and other educational groups, to prepare the next generation to make informed decisions. 
